New grant helps SSJ support the vulnerable during Covid-19 outbreak

The Society of St James is delighted to have been awarded a £10,000 grant from the National Emergencies Trust (NET) fund by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation. The funding aims to support local charities and grassroots organisations that have been impacted by Coronavirus and the funding is being distributed through a network of local community foundations.

Chief Executive Trevor Pickup says: “We are extremely grateful to both the National Emergencies Trust’ and ‘Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation’ for recognising the work that SSJ are doing, alongside many other voluntary and statutory organisations, to support those of multiple disadvantage across Portsmouth, Southampton and Hampshire.

The funding will help SSJ to continue to support our local communities by providing places of isolation and safety for those who are particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus due to multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, substance misuse & physical or mental health issues.

“As SSJ’s frontline staff are indeed considered key workers many of our services are open and busier than ever. The funding will also help us to support our frontline workers in this new, remote and every-changing environment and to ensure that we can continue to support those who are particularly vulnerable, in new ways, during these testing times.”

Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive, HIWCF, said: “It’s at times like these that we are reminded that community really matters and being able to identify and respond to local needs is one of our key organisational values. We will continue to raise funds and prioritise those needing the most help and support across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and we are delighted to be able to help Society of St James with their work to support and care for the most vulnerable people in Southampton communities.”

National Emergencies Trust

The National Emergencies Trust’s main aim is to be trusted to work collaboratively to raise funds fairly and efficiently at a time of a large scale domestic disaster.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation

Committed to building funds and distributing grants to support community projects delivered by local voluntary and community groups across Hampshire & Isle of Wight.